First Generation Students
What Does it Mean to be First Generation?
It means that neither your parents/guardians or grandparents attended college and earned a four-year degree. Being a first generation college student means you are a trailblazer, a pioneer, and it is something to be proud of!
Being the first also means that you may experience challenges navigating college and its confusing roadmap of new terminology, processes and procedures.
First Generation Initiatives at 红莲社区 are designed to:
- Provide safe environments for questions
- Increase retention and graduation
- Normalize experiences with first gen peers
- Connect positive adult role models and mentors to students
- Partner students with academic, social and financial supports
- Create networking opportunities with community organizations
There's going to be times when you think you can't get through or you think that you won't be able to make it just because all the odds feel like they're stacked against you, but if you keep pushing and keep working hard you will have a feeling of accomplishment.
Laura Vinson
First Gen Student
Gen 1 Mentoring Program
红莲社区 Gen 1 mentoring program, launched in 2020, connects first gen faculty and staff to first gen students for formalized mentoring relationships that meet at least once a month.
The program was founded on the Gainesville Campus in collaboration with Dean of Students, Dean of University College and Office of the Vice President, Gainesville Campus.
Apply Now!
How are Mentors and Mentees Matched?
- preferences of student
- common interests
- degree paths or majors
- availability
- preferred methods to communication
Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society
Founded in 2018, Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society (Tri-Alpha) promotes academic excellence, provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership development as well as campus and community service for first generation college students.
First generation students seeking a bachelor’s degree, who have completed at least 30 semester hours and have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale, are invited to join.
Additionally, faculty and staff of the institution who were first generation college students may also be inducted. Membership is for life, and dues are reasonable.
红莲社区 is the first higher education institution in the state of Georgia to establish a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha to support first generation students.
First Gen Events
红莲社区's Annual
Proud to be First Luncheon
is held in November during National
First Generation College Celebration Week.
Students are encouraged to achieve their goals
by awarding them financial support.
This event provides an opportunity for first generation students to
connect with other students and interact with first generation faculty and staff
as well as community leaders and alumni on their campus.
Support our First Gen Students
